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The application of information technologies in higher education has the unquestionable potential to increase the quality of teaching and efficiency of learning. This paper researches different aspects and features of webinars, which could be used in higher education as one of many online tools in blended learning. Webinar preparation and conduction aspects are investigated and technical requirements are stressed, along with possible problems during implementation. The research results, obtained by questionnaires comprising of student opinions and their readiness for webinar usage, are presented.

From the abstract: Community is a place where people go to feel comfortable. It is important to develop strategies for enhancing a sense of community in the online learning environment designed for adult learners. The purpose of this study was to determine if adding a synchronous conferencing experience to an asynchronous course impacted overall sense of community, sense of learning, and connectedness. This study reflects the first phase of an action research study in which a problem was identified, an intervention was implemented, and the impact of the intervention was measured.

This article describes the development of a 5-item scale that assesses family caregivers' self-efficacy in communicating with physicians about ill family members (Perceived Efficacy in Caregiver-Physician Interactions-PECPI) in the context of an evaluation study of an online training in health care communication skills for caregivers. A national sample of 197 self-identified family caregivers participated in an online webinar and completed a brief evaluation instrument before and immediately after the training. Results indicated that the webinar was effective in increasing perceived self-efficacy and self-reported knowledge about and level of preparation for medical visits.

Lisbeth Amhag, Senior Lecturer, Ph.D. in Pedagogy/e-learning, Faculty of Education and Society, Malmö University, Sweden

The Blended Synchronous Learning Handbook is the primary output of the Blended Synchronous Learning Project. It includes the summative findings of the Blended Synchronous Learning case studies, a Blended Synchronous Learning Design Framework, and a range of other resources and information to support blended synchronous learning design research and practice.